Waves & Optics Homework: Polarization Through Weakly Scattering Fluid

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of vertically polarized light leaving through the sides of a cubic tank filled with weakly scattering fluid. While there is some uncertainty about the direction of scattering, it is suggested that it is possible for vertically polarized light to leave through the sides. The referenced image on a physics website supports this idea.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


An unpolarised light beam is shone horizontally through a cubic tank filled
with weakly scattering fluid. Can vertically polarized light leave through the sides that are parallel to the beam’s propagation direction?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My thinking is that they can. If the fluid is weakly scattering the chances are that a small amount of light would be able to leave through the top sides and that this would have vertically polarised light. Any ideas on how to approach this problem?
 
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  • #2
If the light is scattered straight up through the top then I don't see how it could be vertically polarised. But if you change it to scattering horizontally through the sides I would agree. Mind you, I'm no expert on this topic.
 
  • #3
The last image on this page -http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/polar.html
Wouldn't that mean it is possible?
 

Related to Waves & Optics Homework: Polarization Through Weakly Scattering Fluid

1. What is polarization and how does it relate to waves and optics?

Polarization refers to the direction of oscillation of an electromagnetic wave. In the context of waves and optics, polarization is important because it affects the behavior of light as it interacts with different materials, such as through reflection, refraction, and scattering.

2. How does polarization through weakly scattering fluid differ from other types of polarization?

Polarization through weakly scattering fluid occurs when light passes through a fluid with particles that are much smaller than the wavelength of the light. In this case, the direction of polarization of the light is determined by the orientation of the particles in the fluid. This is different from other types of polarization, such as through filters or birefringent materials, where the direction of polarization is determined by the properties of the material itself.

3. What factors affect the degree of polarization through weakly scattering fluid?

The degree of polarization through weakly scattering fluid is affected by several factors, including the concentration and size of the scattering particles, the wavelength of the light, and the angle of incidence of the light. As these factors change, the degree of polarization may also change.

4. How is polarization through weakly scattering fluid used in practical applications?

Polarization through weakly scattering fluid has a number of practical applications, including in biomedical imaging, where it can be used to enhance contrast in images of tissue samples. It is also used in remote sensing, where it can help to identify different types of particles in the atmosphere or in bodies of water.

5. What are some common techniques used to study polarization through weakly scattering fluid?

Some common techniques for studying polarization through weakly scattering fluid include polarimetry, which measures the degree and direction of polarization of light passing through a sample, and Mueller matrix polarimetry, which measures the complete polarization state of light. Other techniques, such as ellipsometry and dynamic light scattering, can also be used to study polarization through weakly scattering fluids.

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